[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 14]
[Senate]
[Page 18687]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        AMERICAN ASSOCIATION ON MENTAL RETARDATION AWARD WINNERS

 Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I am pleased today to join the 
Illinois chapter of the American Association on Mental Retardation, 
AAMR, in recognizing the recipients of the 2004 Direct Service 
Professional Award. These individuals are being honored for their 
outstanding efforts to enrich the lives of people with developmental 
disabilities in Illinois.
  These recipients have displayed a strong sense of humanity and 
professionalism in their work with persons with disabilities. Their 
efforts have inspired the lives of those for whom they care, and they 
are an inspiration to me as well. They have set a fine example of 
community service for all Americans to follow.
  These honorees spend more than 50 percent of their time at work in 
direct, personal involvement with their clients. They are not primarily 
managers or supervisors. They are direct service workers at the 
forefront of America's effort to care for people with special needs. 
They go to work every day with little recognition, providing much 
needed and greatly valued care and assistance.
  It is my honor and privilege to recognize the Illinois recipients of 
AAMR's 2004 Direct Service Professional Award: Mary Alimi-Seiwart, 
Patricia Baldridge, Linda Christianson, Willie Mae Clinton, Avis 
Ganter, Ruth Just, Linda Koch, Patricia Matuske, Harshida Mody, Barbara 
Purches, Mark Rodgers, Dwight Sanders, Chris Shell, Marie Sonnan, Linda 
Sweeney, Marla Tegtmeyer, Clarence Woods, and Kim Wren.
  I know my fellow Senators will join me in congratulating the winners 
of the 2004 Direct Service Professional Award. I applaud their 
dedication and thank them for their service.

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